Despite severe weather and a countywide power outage, the 2026 Adams County Farm Bureau and Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Meeting pressed forward at the Willow Event Center in Winchester, Ohio, on Aug. 11, 2026. Attendees powered through the darkness with a backup generator to enjoy a catered meal and enjoyed the opportunity to connect with fellow community members.

Though storm damage across the area impacted overall attendance, the evening’s business portion focused on shaping local policy and making key organizational decisions. Members looked back on a productive year of community outreach and advocacy, which included hosting an educational community session on local data centers.

A highlight of the evening was the opportunity to recognize the 2026 scholarship recipients – Vivian Grimes, Landen Doyle and MaRhea Unger. Attendees voted unanimously to oppose proposed local highway U-turn intersections—designed to alter traditional turns—and took a stance against state legislation that would reintroduce wild elk to Ohio. Additionally, members approved the annual budget report, re-elected returning board leadership, and selected delegates to represent the county at the state level. The gathering wrapped up by honoring retiring board trustees Kristy Watters, Bill Wickerham, and Roger Rhonemus for their years of dedicated volunteer service and leadership, before handing the evening over to door prizes and local conservation updates.

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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